Learn about Maryland's history and available records in this research guide that includes a map and bibliography.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Like many colonial American territories, Maryland was a giant land-grant, given to Cecil Calvert, Second Baron of Baltimore, in 1632. Cecil was the son of George Calvert, who was the secretary of state under King James I of England -- a title he was stripped of when he converted to Catholicism. The grant was given to Cecil after his father passed away. But another son, Leonard, led the first colonists -- Catholic and Protestant English -- to what became St. Mary's, the first capital. Maryland, or "Terra Mary," was named for the wife of King Charles I, Henrietta Maria, and was also known as Maria's Land and Mariland.